Well... one great thing that came out of being too busy and overscheduled and overcommitted these past couple of weeks is that I haven't had a lot of time to sit still or think. Because once I start thinking, I start worrying and questioning. Not good. So, in this case, too much on my plate has served me well.

We have had several house guests over the course of the last two weeks. We hosted two Christian puppeteers who came to do a workshop in Spain. We hosted the workshop at our church. We welcomed my mom as she arrived here to help us with Sarah while we walk the Camino. She hit the ground running with Granny Training Boot Camp... how to drive in Spain, how to grocery shop, how to get Sarah to and from all of her school and extracurricular activities, how to care for the house and animals, who's who and who can help in emergencies... Mom speaks ZERO Spanish! So, she's a pretty brave woman to show up a week before our departure and take on this huge task. We have had overnight guests, dinner guests, coffee guests, guests who wanted to pray for us, guests who wanted to say goodbye, guests who wanted to meet Mom... yes, we have been busy! And we kept up with the normal ministry routine, too.

But now we are down to the wire. Tomorrow is the big day. Tomorrow at 8 a.m., we hoist packs on to our backs for the first of 36 days on The Camino de Santiago. Tomorrow we say goodbyes to Sarah and Granny and we kiss cheeks. Tomorrow we board the train for Pamplona, Spain, then we catch the bus to St. Jean Pied du Port, France where we will begin the ancient pilgrimage of The Way of St. James.

The forecast for the first days isn't pretty. Hail and winds devestated crops in the area yesterday. Highs to reach 52F and lows at 40F. Rain, rain, and more rain for the first few days. Day One is a 7-9 hour trek over the Pyrennes from France to Roncevalles, Spain climbing from 600 feet to 4600 ft in altitude.

Do I have the right gear? Do I have enough gear? Do I have too much gear? Will I stay dry? Will I be warm enough? Do I still have my Peruvian Andes lung capacity, or have I reverted to a coastal plains girl? Will the internal scars from my bouts of pneumonia cause me trouble on this first day? Amidst all of the physical questions, will I have the emotional and mental whereabouts to stay in the game, to listen well, to reach out to others, and to minister along the way?

Maybe I need to get busy with the rest of my list so I don't have time to think before tomorrow!

Get up, hoist the pack, walk... repeat... Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four... until the end of June. It all begins tomorrow.

You are ready. You've done the heart work and the hard physical conditioning. Just go and enjoy it. You will be making memories!

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Margaret Howell

5/21/2015 05:04:11 am

So proud of you. When the burden gets heavy just know we are standing with you!

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JoAnn Kraft

5/21/2015 07:46:19 am

I will be praying for you, Billy, Sarah and Granny..praying for strong lungs, strong feet, warm, exceptional encounters with others, periods of rest for you and for God to closely present during the walk.

Love you,
Jo

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Marilyn Naynard

5/21/2015 09:25:01 am

Praying for your journey and those that God puts in your path.

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Vicki Wilcox

5/21/2015 02:48:32 pm

You're young strong people, and look in tip-top condition. Enjoy God's expanse of nature as you go, and have a safe journey. Sarah is in good hands! :)

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katherine Stotler

5/21/2015 06:26:32 pm

God speed!!!

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Ellen bartlett

5/21/2015 09:20:42 pm

So excited for y'all to be on this adventure together! Cannot wait to read all about!

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Becky

5/21/2015 10:19:08 pm

Have been praying. Will be praying. And watching. And listening. And waiting. Peace, love and joy to you from the Holy Spirit. And the tangible presence of Jesus

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Jennifer Shoalmire

5/22/2015 01:14:22 am

Good morning friend! I tried to call yesterday, I think, but now I know you were too busy! I love you and am praying for your sweet heart and mind to listen and Him and He guides you on this trip with your soulmate. Have a wonderful time and know I'm only a phone call or Vibr away!! -Ferf

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Pam Thomas

5/22/2015 09:29:48 am

Oh my goodness, I am so very excited for the two of you. Have a great time, I will be praying for all the opportunities you will have to walk and chat with others along the Way. and I will pray for strength and lots of humor.
pam